Graduate students in MSE actively study and pursue next-generation materials solutions in areas such as: Energy storage and transmission; Advanced manufacturing and materials processing; Advanced vehicles and propulsion; Biomaterials and biomedical technologies; Nanomaterials; and Functional responsive materials. MSE graduate students work closely with our interdisciplinary faculty to address critical challenges and explore exciting new opportunities for innovation. Our students come from all over the world and from a wide variety of technical fields. Their career paths are equally diverse, and many go on to become leaders and innovators in academics, research, industry, medicine, business, and public service.
Area(s) of Emphasis (for program use only): Advanced manufacturing and materials processing; Biomaterials and bio-inspired materials; Functional materials and physical behavior; Materials for energy storage, conversion, and transmission; Structural materials; Soft materials, composites, and coatings
Learning Goals that students in this program are expected to meet include:
Students successfully completing the Ph.D. program in MSE will develop and demonstrate: • a sound understanding of fundamental concepts in Materials Science and Engineering and their broad application in science and technology; • comprehensive knowledge and deep understanding of scholarly literature relevant to the specific area(s) of study, including both contemporary and foundational work; and • an ability to contribute substantially to their field of study through original research and sound application of fundamental concepts, scientific methods, and engineering practices.
Students successfully completing the M.S. program in MSE will develop and demonstrate: • a sound understanding of fundamental concepts in Materials Science and Engineering and their broad application in science and technology; • a functional awareness and understanding of scholarly literature relevant to the specific area(s) of study, including both contemporary and foundational work; and • an ability to work effectively in their field of interest through sound application of fundamental concepts, scientific methods, and engineering practices.
Students successfully completing the M.Eng. program in MSE will develop and demonstrate: • a sound understanding of fundamental concepts in Materials Science and Engineering and their broad application in science and technology; • an awareness of contemporary critical issues in Materials Science and Engineering; and • an ability to work effectively in their field of interest through sound application of fundamental concepts, scientific methods, and engineering practices.
August 2025
College of Engineering
4100 Marston Hall,
533 Morrill Rd.,
AMES,
Iowa,
50011, United States
May 2025
College of Engineering
4100 Marston Hall,
533 Morrill Rd.,
AMES,
Iowa,
50011, United States
Iowa State requires a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university prior to beginning graduate studies.
International degrees must be comparable to a US bachelor’s degree or higher from a college or university regionally accredited/recognized by the Ministry of Education in that country.
A minimum cumulative grade point average equivalent to at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (B grade) is required for admission.
The minimum scores accepted by the Graduate College are:
Internet Based TOEFL (iBT): 79
TOEFL Paper (PBT): 550
IELTS: 6.5
Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53
Duo Lingo English Test: 105
Application Deadlines:
Applications are accepted year-round, with the following deadlines for full consideration: Jan 15 for Fall term admission. (Applicants not admitted may elect to have their applications remain open for consideration in subsequent terms.)
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.